Christopher Tidball of North Platte called 911 emergency dispatch to ask for help Friday, but he and his wife both ended up in the Lincoln County jail.

Police responded to Tidball’s call shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, going to the apartment where he and his wife Michelle lived at 2300 East Philip.

A police spokesman said the couple had been using methamphetamine and other controlled substances, although apparently the Tidwells did not have the drugs when police arrived. The Tidballs were not charged with illegal drug use.

However, investigators found an infant in their home. Police believe the Tidballs were using drugs to the extent that they were unable to care for the child, who was removed and placed in the care of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Tidballs were charged with felony child abuse. Bonds were initially set at $15,000 each, but reduced to $5,000 each on Monday, according to sheriff’s records. The North Platte police did not respond Monday afternoon to a request for more explanation.